Lebanese PM announced that the Israeli withdrawal set to be finalized by February 18
Washington had initially granted a three-week extension to Israeli forces operating in the eastern sector of South Lebanon. However, U.S. officials have expressed satisfaction with the advancements made by the Lebanese Army in stabilizing the area.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Tuesday evening his commitment to securing the timely or even early withdrawal of Israeli forces. In a statement, he emphasized the administration’s intent to apply diplomatic pressure on Israel to adhere to or expedite their planned departure.
In a landmark televised interview from the Grand Serail, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Salam asserted that the nation has fully complied with United Nations Resolution 1701 and its oversight protocols. “We are steadfast in our commitments,” he declared. Salam further indicated that the upcoming ministerial statement will tackle the pressing issues confronting Lebanon, with a particular focus on the Israeli withdrawal and ongoing reconstruction endeavors.
Salam announced the potential return of Syrian refugees amid changes in the country’s leadership. He disclosed intentions to travel to Damascus for discussions with Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Reports emerging from Israeli media on Monday indicate that the United States has communicated to Israel that the ceasefire in Lebanon will conclude as planned, with Israeli troops required to pull out by February 18. A representative from the US National Security Council affirmed that the timeline for Israel’s withdrawal is proceeding as intended, with no request for an extension submitted by Tel Aviv.
Washington had initially granted a three-week extension for Israeli military operations in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon. However, it is now content with the advancements made by the Lebanese Army in stabilizing the area. As reported by i24NEWS, US authorities are confident that Lebanese troops have effectively established their presence in accordance with the agreement.
In the midst of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli officials continue to negotiate with the United States to achieve a more advantageous agreement concerning their military withdrawal. According to reports, Israeli troops are expected to start pulling out from further regions in southern Lebanon in the approaching days as these discussions progress.
During a recent discussion at Baabda Palace with the US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated that enduring stability in southern Lebanon hinges on the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and the full enactment of UN Resolution 1701. President Aoun further stressed that the release of Lebanese prisoners is essential to the agreement and urged an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities.
Aoun has called for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions, citing the need to end the fatalities of civilians and soldiers, the demolition of residential properties, and the destruction of agricultural lands.
The Lebanese Army has pledged to take complete control of territories recently vacated by Israeli forces, as affirmed by Aoun, who emphasized the military’s readiness to oversee security in the impacted villages and towns. He further highlighted Lebanon’s continued collaboration with international forces to ensure the complete execution of Resolution 1701 and to progressively re-establish normalcy in the liberated regions.
Despite plans for withdrawal, Israeli military activities continue to breach the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. As reported by Al Mayadeen, Israeli aircraft launched several airstrikes two days ago, hitting locations in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the Hermel region close to the Lebanese-Syrian border.
